Youngstown State Volleyball Announces Promotions for Assistant Coaches

Wilson and Clayton take on expanded roles as the program continues its rise.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Youngstown State University's volleyball program has announced promotions for assistant coaches Grace Wilson and Maddie Clayton. The moves come after a record-breaking 2025 season that saw the Penguins achieve their highest-ever Horizon League finish and secure their first winning season since 2014. Head coach Riley Jarrett praised the integral roles Wilson and Clayton have played in building the program's winning culture.

Why it matters

The promotions for Wilson and Clayton reflect a broader trend in collegiate athletics, where specialized coaching roles are becoming increasingly important to handle the complex administrative and recruitment demands alongside on-court training. This allows head coaches to focus more on strategy and team leadership. The rise of female coaches in volleyball, like Wilson, also highlights the growing opportunities for women in collegiate coaching.

The details

Grace Wilson's responsibilities now extend beyond on-court coaching, as she manages travel arrangements, meal planning, and a significant portion of the program's budget. Maddie Clayton focuses on player recruitment, identifying talent and coordinating on-campus visits. Under their guidance, the Penguins set a program record with 1,555 kills in the 25-point rally scoring era, ranking sixth in program history overall. The team also posted a .247 attack percentage, the second-best in program history.

  • The Penguins achieved a program-best 11 Horizon League victories in 2025.
  • The team finished the 2025 season with a 17-14 overall record, marking their first winning season since 2014.
  • The Penguins tied the program record for wins at Beeghly Center with 10 victories in 2025.

The players

Riley Jarrett

The head coach of the Youngstown State University volleyball program.

Grace Wilson

An assistant coach who manages travel, meals, budget, and other behind-the-scenes operations for the volleyball program.

Maddie Clayton

An assistant coach who specializes in player recruitment and coordinating on-campus visits.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The promotions for Wilson and Clayton highlight the growing importance of specialized coaching roles in collegiate athletics, allowing head coaches to focus on strategy and team leadership. The rise of female coaches in volleyball, like Wilson, also demonstrates the increasing opportunities for women in collegiate coaching.